Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
Afterbirth 101 : 8 things they don’t tell you!
First there's pregnancy, then birth, but no one tells you about the post partum fun... Join us as we take a dive into 8 things they don't tell you about after birth. How your body changes, the challenges of your new body and figuring our what's the new normal!
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International Caesarean Awareness Month
International Caesarean Awareness Month is celebrated during the month of April, and aims to provide education, support and recovery for all mum’s who have experienced a c-section. In Australia alone, over 35% of births are by caesarean section, and this stat is only rising. We wanted to explore some of the most common questions, concerns and advice that all mums going through a caesarean birth may need. With the help of some amazing mums in our New Beginnings community, we have put together some words for wisdom for you. 1. Was your C-section planned & would you do it again? Pandora: “No, it was an emergency c-section, I was very open-minded but I really didn’t want a c-section! I would do it again if my baby measured big again because I couldn’t do another 39hr labour, but if the baby was average size I would try for a vaginal birth - recovery sounds easier and I would like to experience it.” Jasmine: “I had an emergency c-section after being induced, I was in labour for 21hours without progression. I would like to try natural birth next time, but I’m not opposed to another caesarean.” Candice: “Yes, my c-section was planned. Unfortunately for a few reasons, we had no choice. It was safest for bub and I. I would 100% do it again if necessary, I was lucky enough to have a calm & stress-free experience!” Brooke: “My baby was breech, so I knew I would have a C-section. I was hoping for a water birth but was advised not to turn my bub, so I processed the fact that c-section was best & safest for us both. I am currently 30 weeks pregnant now with a breech baby again. I am hoping for a VBAC (Vaginal birth after caesarean), but if needed I am prepared to have another c-section and I’m okay with that. 2. Will there be pain? Pandora: “Not as much as I expected, but yes when the drugs wear off and you get up for the first time it will feel like you have been hit by a car. It gets better each day and the baby gives you the motivation to move more than you normally would after a surgery.” Jasmine: “Yes, not during due to the epidural but once that wears off there is lower abdominal pain.” Candice: “Of course, after all, it’s major surgery. With that being said they provide pain medication and tips to combat the pain. I am the biggest chicken/sook when it comes to pain and coped better than I expected. I think the fear is something worse than the end result is.” Brooke: “I was in so much chock and contraction pain that as soon as I was given anaesthesia, I felt relief. I don’t remember any pain during surgery, I could feel pressure and tugging but it was all numb and over quickly.” 3. What are your top tips to help mum recover quickly? Pandora: “A belly band, moving around as much as you can especially in the beginning. Take the pain meds while they are on offer, they will help you get moving.” Jasmine: “Good nutrition helps a lot with the wound healing. Don’t worry about the house work, take it easy and focus on you and bub.” Candice: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do everything!!! Take time to rest, relax & enjoy your new bundle of joy. Follow the docs advice, don’t be ashamed to ask for pain meds...that’s what they’re there for” Brooke: “Placenta encapsulation - I got my placenta half raw and half steamed with Chinese herbs. I recovered really well and really quickly. I am going again with the encapsulation because I felt like they were my super pills!” 4. Is there anything you wish you’d know before your caesarean/C-section? Pandora: “That it was going to happen, but I guess you never know. It would have been good to prepare rather than it be a shock.” Jasmine: “Not really. Being a surgical nurse myself I was pretty aware of the procedure and post-op recovery.” Candice: “That you are not taking the easy way out to have your baby!!! Please don’t let people guilt you.” Brooke: “I didn’t know that some doctors staple and others stitch. I’m sure there are pros and cons to both but I have opted to go with a doctor who stitches again.” 5. What’s the best piece of advice you would give another mum? Pandora: “Even if you want a natural amazing birth, it doesn’t matter if it ends in an emergency c-section. What matters is meeting the love of your life. They may not get here how you want but they are coming and you will fall in love.” Jasmine: “Don’t sweat the little things! As long as you and bub are healthy that’s all that matters. Ask for a stool softener after your procedure to make that first poop easier.” Candice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to clarify things but remember to make sure it works for you. Put yourself first so you can be the best mummy for your baby.” Brooke: “Personalise it as much as you can, we had music on and I asked them to drop the sheet, but they said it was too full on. Do your research and decide what your preference is by looking into things. The most important is to be kind to yourself! Don’t make the baby fit into your life, life changes and that’s how it should be. Slow everything down, cuddle your little human, leave the chores, stay home and enjoy the first bonding weeks - it goes fast, but it’s magic.” Thank you so much to all our beautiful mums for participating in our blog post. Hearing the real experiences from real mums makes it so much easier and comforting for all expecting mums out there. If you have any further questions about caesarean birth contact your healthcare professional or midwife for more information or to find out what’s best for you and bub. Caesarean births are often seen by some as an easy way out, but this like any type of birth is not the case. If you’ve had a c-section, are planning to have one or may need one, we want all mums to know your birth is valid. Your story, your experience and your feelings are real and your scar (and your little one) is proof of that! Looking for information on postpartum recovery? Visit our Top 10 Tips for Postpartum Recovery guide.
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Benefits of Bamboo Maternity Products | New Beginnings
What is Bamboo? Bamboo is an incredibly versatile material used in so many products nowadays. From clothing and linen, to homewares, furniture and, yes, pregnancy products. Sustainable to grow, strong and flexible, and incredibly soft and resilient when woven as a fibre, bamboo has a long list of benefits. That’s why bamboo is the perfect material for pregnant and nursing Mums. Bamboo nursing pads are soft on your skin and super absorbent, while hypoallergenic bamboo baby wipes are kind to theirs. Bamboo is a truly wonderful material which benefits Mums, babies and our environment. Environmental Benefits Reduced farming footprint Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth. It uses around 30% of the water needed to grow cotton and can grow almost a metre in a single day. Less chemicals Bamboo is naturally resistant to pests so doesn’t require chemical spraying while it grows. It also requires far less chemical additives in the manufacturing process, unlike polyester or nylon which produce lots of chemical waste. 100% biodegradable You don’t have to feel guilty about your bamboo baby wipes or nursing pads going into landfill. They break down in as little as 6 months, where products made with plastics clog up our environment for 1,000 years. Benefits of using Bamboo products So we know bamboo nursing pads and baby wipes are kind to the environment. But what about you? There’s more good news! Bamboo is incredibly soft to the touch, perfect for sensitive skin and more effective than almost any other material: Naturally antibacterial fibres make bamboo more hygienic Bamboo absorbs up to 40x its own weight Up to 40% more absorbent than the best cotton Hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin Our bamboo nursing pads are designed with an innovative hex weave for even more absorbency, and chemical-free bamboo baby wipes are the perfect addition to your baby bag. Types of Bamboo Baby Products New Beginnings are well and truly on the bamboo bandwagon. We have seen the benefits of this wonderful eco-friendly material and wanted to create pregnancy products that are as good for the environment as they are for new mums. You can now find a range of essential pregnancy hygiene products on our online store: Disposable bamboo nursing pads Ultra-thin bamboo nursing pads Bamboo baby wipes in boxes or soft packs Bamboo maternity pads Disposable bamboo pants Why Choose New Beginnings bamboo products? As the world continues to find new ways to use bamboo, here at New Beginnings we are dedicated to giving new and expecting Mums the kindest, most effective pregnancy products. Our bamboo nursing pads were specially designed to contour for added comfort. They are capable of absorbing up to 40x their own weight and fit seamlessly into clothes. No more wet patches or uncomfortable clothing – only the soft, non-allergenic feeling of bamboo. For baby, our bamboo dry wipes are not only more effective than traditional baby wipes but also much more environmentally friendly. They are 100% biodegradable as well as being incredibly absorbent and soft on delicate skin. Ready to order your bamboo baby products? Call our order hotline on 1300 768 868, or you can send us an email at sales@newbeginnings.com.au for more information. Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of the page so we can keep you up-to-date with news and product information specially tailored to new Mums.Looking for more information about bamboo baby and nursing products? Visit our mum's guide to Why I Choose Bamboo Dry Wipes.
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Ultimate Maternity Hospital Bag Checklist: What to bring to hospital
With your due date nearing, having a thoughtfully arranged hospital bag for both you and your newborn is essential. This guide walks you through every must-have item—from paperwork to cozy clothing to baby-ready essentials—and includes a handy printable checklist to simplify your prep.
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Why These Maternity Bras Are An Absolute Game Changer
Being pregnant can take its toll on you physically, mentally and emotionally, and you may not always be able to help those things. Luckily, what you do have power over is what you wear, and this can make a huge difference to how you feel. Read on to find out how New Beginnings gives you complete control of looking AND feeling good!
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Top 5 Hospital Must Haves
Packing your hospital bag feels like such a milestone, doesn’t it? For me, it didn’t truly hit that I was about to become a mum until I started tossing things into a bag. My partner was not impressed by my last-minute packing (oops). Antenatal classes helped with the basics—like button-up pyjamas for feeding and socks because birthing suites are cold—but what I really wish someone had told me were the actual essentials that made those first few days easier. Here are my top 5 hospital bag must-haves for first-time or returning mummas. 1. Maternity Pads I’ll be honest: I thought big supermarket pads would do the trick after birth. Nope. Postpartum bleeding (lochia) is heavy and lasts weeks, not days, so you’ll want proper maternity pads. They’re more absorbent, longer, and softer—exactly what your recovering body needs. The New Beginnings Maternity Pads were a lifesaver for me: comfortable, the right length, and no stressing about leaks every time I stood up. Stock up—running out in hospital is not fun[1]. 2. Maternity Bra’s One thing I wish I had known earlier: bring at least two maternity bras to the hospital. You’ll need them from the moment your baby arrives, and trust me—they’ll quickly become your new best friend. A good maternity bra offers more than just support; it gives you comfort when your body is changing daily, easy access for breastfeeding, and a little modesty when you’re juggling visitors and nurses in and out of your hospital room. Having more than one also means you’re covered when one gets messy (and it will!). If you’re unsure what to buy, check out our guide on Maternity vs Nursing Bras. It breaks down the difference and helps you choose the right bra for both your hospital stay and the weeks of recovery and feeding that follow. 3. Toiletries/Makeup One thing I wish I had known earlier: bring at least two maternity bras to the hospital. You’ll need them from the moment your baby arrives, and trust me—they’ll quickly become your new best friend. A good maternity bra offers more than just support; it gives you comfort when your body is changing daily, easy access for breastfeeding, and a little modesty when you’re juggling visitors and nurses in and out of your hospital room. Having more than one also means you’re covered when one gets messy (and it will!). If you’re unsure what to buy, check out our guide on Maternity vs Nursing Bras. It breaks down the difference and helps you choose the right bra for both your hospital stay and the weeks of recovery and feeding that follow. 4. Personal Items A few extras made my stay smoother: Thongs for the hospital shower A few outfit changes Muslin wraps for bub Nappies (my hospital didn’t provide them!) A water bottle I could refill easily Dummies (if you choose to use them) It’s not about overpacking—it’s about having the things that help you feel prepared and calm. 5. Snacks Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you, and your body needs fuel. Hospital food can be hit or miss, so I packed muesli bars, crackers, nuts, and fruit. My partner also did the traditional “first meal run”—mine was sushi, and I savoured every bite! Hydration is just as important. Keeping a big water bottle by my bed reminded me to sip constantly (your body will thank you, and so will your milk supply). Hospital bag lists often cover the basics, but these little extras—maternity pads, comfy bras, your own toiletries, a few personal must-haves, and snacks—make a huge difference in how supported and comfortable you feel. If you’re starting to pack, check out our Postpartum Products Collection for recovery essentials that make those first few weeks easier. You’ve got this, mumma.
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Welcome To Motherhood
It is definitely a beautiful rite of passage to go through nine months of pregnancy, then culminating that experience with giving birth to hopefully a happy and healthy newborn. Nine months seems just enough time for you to prepare yourself into accepting that your whole world is about to change. Then all in bubs own time, they arrive and you literally overnight enter into a different world, an entirely new neighbourhood, a community of mums. The only real experience I’d had with tiny babies prior to my own was a few days visiting my sister’s children. As soon as the baby would cry or do a stinker I would promptly hand my niece/nephew and all those larger responsibilities back to the parents. As soon as you have one of your own you realise there is no one to hand them back to, you are all on your own. I remember that first night in the maternity ward after giving birth when my partner had to leave and I looked at them and was like ‘wait, you can’t leave now, I don’t know what I’m doing ’. I cried off and on that first night with a mix of tiredness and achievement but also sheer and utter despair having to now care for a small person, a job that I had only skimmed the manual for. I pushed that ‘nurse assistance’ buzzer a lot that night because I needed some reassurance and I had so many questions. Why am I crying so much? Why is the baby crying so much? Is this the right way to hold a baby? Can you please help me get the baby to latch on? How often do I feed? How do I swaddle and get the baby to sleep? The midwives where like angels and all I wanted to do was to take one home with me for about two months and have them help and share all their years of experience and knowledge. I had stepped into a time in my life where I wasn’t sure I belonged and I was welcomed (ready or not) instantly into the club where no introductions are necessary (there was an obvious "new mother" stamp on my forehead). There were some days when I walked around the mum neighbourhood thinking ‘I’ve got this’, I made new friends and even combed my hair. Then there are the days when it’s all too hard and I do not want to leave the house, allowing my pyjamas to morph into daywear. I’m here to tell you that this new neighbourhood will bring out the best in you and there is just as much learning for yourself as there is for your child. On days when you feel as though it is all too much, bear in mind that it takes time to adjust to new surroundings, to find your feet and feel comfortable in a new environment. So don’t be so hard on yourself and remember the sacred mothers pledge that we all took at the start of this journey… ‘18 years and I get my life back.’For more information about motherhood, visit Afterbirth 101: 8 Things They Don't Tell You! Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
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